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Karva Chauth is a Hindu festival celebrated by married women in India, Nepal, and some other parts of the world. The festival falls on the fourth day of the lunar month of Kartik, which is usually in October or November.
The significance of Karva Chauth is to pray for the long and healthy life of their husbands. On this day, women observe a strict fast from sunrise to moonrise. They do not eat or drink anything, not even water. In the evening, after the moonrise, they break their fast after offering prayers to the moon god.
There are many legends associated with the origin of Karva Chauth. One of the most popular legends is about a woman named Karva. Karva was a devoted wife who loved her husband very much. One day, her husband was away on a long journey. Karva was worried about his safety, so she started fasting for his long life. After many days, her husband returned home safely. Karva’s fast was successful, and she was able to save her husband’s life.
Another legend associated with Karva Chauth is about a woman named Veervati. Veervati’s husband was a soldier who was often away on long battles. Veervati was worried about his safety, so she started fasting for his long life. One day, Veervati’s husband was killed in battle. Veervati was devastated, but she continued to fast for her husband’s soul. After many days, Veervati’s husband was resurrected from the dead. Veervati’s fast was successful, and she was able to bring her husband back to life.
Karva Chauth is a day of love, devotion, and sacrifice for married women. It is a day to pray for the long and healthy life of their husbands. It is also a day to celebrate the bond of marriage and the strength of women.
Here are some of the rituals associated with Karva Chauth:
- Sargi: In the morning, married women are offered a sargi by their mothers-in-law. The sargi is a pre-dawn meal that usually consists of sweets, matthri, dry fruits, and feni.
- Prayers: Women offer prayers to the moon god and other deities for the long and healthy life of their husbands.
- Arghya: After moonrise, women offer arghya to the moon god. Arghya is a ritual in which water is offered to the moon god.
- Reception: After breaking their fast, women receive a reception from their families. The reception usually includes a feast and gifts.
Karva Chauth is a beautiful and meaningful festival that celebrates the love, devotion, and sacrifice of married women. It is a day to pray for the long and healthy life of husbands, and to celebrate the bond of marriage.